UNHAPPY parents have enlisted the help of Sandbach's MP Ann Winterton as the crisis deepens over sixth form education.

The Tory MP has called the all-girls Sandbach High and all-boys Sand-bach School to talks with an education academic.

The atmosphere has been tense between the schools after Sandbach High forged ahead with plans to welcome boys into its sixth form despite strong opposition.

But concerned parents fear the talks could be too little too late.

Tony Kinsella, of Park Lane, Sand-bach, who has two sons aged 17 and 15 at Sandbach School, said: 'Sand-bach High has applied for permission to admit boys by 2006 and we have little over five weeks left to get it stopped, but this meeting is not going to happen for another two weeks.

'It appears funding and competition are coming before children's education. We are hoping the educational academic can help the schools come to an amicable agree-ment.

'Despite out best efforts we are running out of time to stop this application going ahead.'

Public consultation over the application will run out on Monday, February 28.

Mr Kinsella, who is a founder member of Both Schools Action Group (BSPG) - set up by concerned parents of children from both schools - added: 'What we want is for the schools to come to a compromise which will suit everyone.

'The schools may want to ensure their survival, but my concern is getting the best for pupils.'

Lady Winterton said: 'I trust both schools will co-operate fully with the independent expert and comply with any recommendations in the best interests of students.

'The debate has so far been confined to the two schools involved but others in Sandbach and the surrounding area have a right to be consulted and to have their legitimate views taken into consideration before decisions are made.'

A Cheshire County Council spokesman said: 'We are seeking to appoint an independent academic to carry out a review of educational provision for 14 to 19-year-olds in Sandbach.'

The BSPG is holding a meeting for parents of primary school children on Monday at Wesley Church Hall, Wesley Avenue, Sandbach, at 7.30pm.